Domestos: Germcatchers
August 28, 2005 by seamusdiamond · Leave a Comment
Name:
Germcatchers
Sponsor:
Domestos and Excellence Ireland Quality Association.
In Brief
Recommendation:
The “Germcatchers” scheme is unequivocally rejected and cited as an example of all that is wrong with commercial schemes in schools. We recommend that where it exists in schools it be removed immediately.
Objective:
“a fun hygiene awareness poster and a competition to highlight the importance of hygiene in the home.”
Classification:
Sponsored Educational Material and competition.
Year:
2003
Materials:
Schools received (unsolicited) a large Germcatchers poster for use during S.P.H.E lessons, 30 smaller Germcatchers posters for students to take home and 7 worksheets on which to compose Limericks about germs.
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Low
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Comments:
“Germcatchers” comprised of teaching materials and a competition and was aimed exclusively at 1st class pupils. All teaching resources all feature the Domestos logo prominently while the students’ posters feature a chaotic party scene in which were “hiding” a range of Domestos products; bleach, spray and wipes. To enter the competition, children must search amongst the images of girls, boys and animals in the acts of vomiting, flatulence, defecation and mucus-spraying sneezing to locate the Domestos products. They are then to compose a Limerick on a germ of their choice. The enticements to participate in this scheme include a trip to London for the winning class with €100 to spend in Hamleys toy store and a €2,000 sun holiday for their teacher.
Recommendation:
The “Germcatchers” scheme is unequivocally rejected and cited as an example of all that is wrong with commercial schemes in schools. We recommend that where it exists in schools it be removed immediately.
The ubiquitous Domestos logo and references to the Doemstos brand found on materials is unacceptable in any classroom. Instructing 7 years olds to locate Domestos products in a repulsive cartoon image is an odious and patently commercial attempt to bias the curriculum and promote a brand to an impressionable audience. We consider the bizarre enticement of a sun holiday for teachers placing this “lesson” before their students as further evidence of its educational irrelevance. Happily, there exist other non-commercial materials on hygiene (eg. from the Food Safety Promotion Board), which offer a more balanced and age appropriate treatment of this subject.
